Pruritus, or itchy dog, is a chronic skin condition that many puppies may have at some point in their life. Although the majority of itchiness may be treated with ease, there are more significant skin conditions that itching can indicate, such as an allergy or infection.
For your dog's sake, it's better to be proactive about treatment because it can be unpleasant and upsetting. That includes knowing top tips for dog owners and being on the lookout for symptoms of itching in your puppy, treating them quickly, and avoiding the sources of itching when possible.
In this post, we will go over the five main reasons why dogs itch, as well as ways to keep your pooch from scratching in the first place and alleviate any discomfort it may be inflicting.
Environmental Allergies
One of the leading reasons dogs itch is allergies to their environment. Dogs are susceptible to the same allergens as people are, including pollen, dust mites, and mold. This could make your dog itch at certain times of the year or all year round, depending on the allergen. Atopic dermatitis, in which inflamed skin is caused by inhalation of allergens like pollen, can develop in puppies.
Injectables that gradually expose dogs to allergens may help those dogs that suffer from seasonal allergies. Your dog may be able to lessen progressively his or her symptoms of allergies with the help of allergy desensitization injections.
Food Allergies
Dietary intolerances and allergies can also affect dogs. Chicken, beef, pig, and other popular ingredients in dog food might cause intolerances or allergies in some dogs. Your puppy can break out in a rash, develop hives, or get an ear infection as a result of a food allergy.
If you think your dog has a food allergy, you might find relief by feeding him hypoallergenic food. Veterinarians can determine the cause of allergies by using an elimination diet for a few weeks, together with allergy testing.
In order to help your dog avoid future responses, your veterinarian can suggest certain foods during a nutritional assessment.
Fleas
Itching can be caused by flea bites or an allergy to flea bites in dogs. While fleas can bite anywhere, they are most common in your dog's hind legs and rear, which are also regions that are easier for them to access and less likely to be exposed to the elements.
A flea wash and some oral or topical preventatives provide an easy and stress-free flea treatment. Keep in mind that while some flea rinses and shampoos may temporarily alleviate your dog's flea problem, they will not be able to stop future infestations. To make sure there are no other fleas or flea eggs in your home, you should also clean your dog's bed, blankets, toys, and any other places they usually hang out.
Flea allergy dermatitis, an allergic reaction that causes intense pain and/or itching, can develop from flea allergies or bites that are not treated in a timely manner. It is advisable to take your dog to the vet before their health becomes that serious so they can be adequately treated.
Dermatitis caused by skin contact
Common home goods such as cleaning supplies, bath products, plants (particularly grasses), and pesticides can cause contact dermatitis. Your dog may experience itching or a rash on the affected area if they have contact dermatitis.
Your dog's skin could become infected with pyoderma, a bacterial infection if they have contact dermatitis and scratch excessively. Severe discomfort and other skin issues can befall your dog if you choose to ignore its itching.
Bug Bites or Sarcoptic Mange
Your puppy's skin could get highly irritated by flea bites or any number of other insects. They could have sarcoptic mange, an itchy, inflamed condition brought on by mites.
Your dog can experience itching from an insect bite if he or she is licking, biting, or scratching a region of the body excessively. Consistently checking their body for insects and getting rid of them is a proactive way to reduce irritation.
Topical veterinary-approved remedies, including shampoos, ointments, or prescription topical steroids, can alleviate your dog's discomfort if you detect itching or scratching.
Wrap Up!
Even if your dog can't express its symptoms, itching can be a debilitating illness. You can keep on top of your puppy's health and avoid symptoms altogether by paying close attention to his or her behavior and checking his or her skin often. When you bring your irritated pet in for a complete examination by one of our skilled veterinarians, we can guarantee that they will get the relief they need without delay.
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